Getting out on the Water in Ottawa

I grew up with a river behind my house. It was a shallow less-than-navigable back channel around an island, which made it more like a wildlife reserve than a recreational channel. The other side of the island had the deep navigable channel with motor boats and the like, so we were lucky to enjoy the quieter side and idyllic backdrop to our village setting. It was a great opportunity to appreciate local birds and aquatic animals and also quite the draw for mammals as a water-source. There would be the occasional brave and intrepid canoeist or kayaker (especially in the early summer when water levels were higher) and also visits from local fisherman in search of those few deep spots for fishing holes. For us the water wasn't for swimming but rather to wade or play (create dams and ponds with the rocks) in the shallowest parts.

As an adult, I used to row both on the Ottawa River and in the states on a recreational team. I miss those early morning and after work rows. But I haven't been able to fit it into my schedule for many years now. Now-a-days, getting out on the water depends on organizing a special trip to enjoy navigating one of the various channels in the city, whether streams, rivers or canals. Over the years, we have gotten out on my parent's canoe a couple of times, I've also been able to rent a kayak on the Rideau River and I've tried stand-up paddleboarding at Petrie Island. I've even done both tourist water rides in the last few years just to get my water fix. "Both" meaning the boatline cruises along the canal and the Ottawa River. While more historical and scenic, than about natural history, it was still amazing to see the city from a different vantage point and to be out in the open air, cruising along.

I'm hoping to get out for another SUP adventure before the summer is over. And the big plans for next year will be to kayak or canoe in early summer whether around Duck Island or perhaps in Petrie when water levels are higher and accessing various inlets is easier. (My friend even talked about how she SUP-ed through the woods (to help with a spring clean-up day) and how wild it was to be traversing between the trees - almost like being in the bayou.) : )

Since I do not own a water craft myself and I don't foresee buying one in the near (or far) future, I wanted to see what all the water craft rental options in the city are, so I've done some research on various options in the city (on both the Ontario and Quebec side). Owning a kayak or SUP just doesn't work for my lifestyle in terms of storage needs and transportation options right now. (I have heard great things about inflatable kayaks but for now a big purchase like that won't be happening.)

Perhaps you are interested in renting a water craft also?

It's a great time to get out and enjoy being on the water and some of these businesses even offer rentals into the autumn season.

Could be a very fun way to take in the colours of the changing leaves?

So here is what I found below. Please remember toconsult individual business and municipal websites to confirm times, prices, etc as they may change by month or by season. As mentioned, some rental operations shut down as of September while others continue to offer rentals on the weekends after Labour Day. (This information was gathered in late July 2016.)

* For the past two years there have been Groupon coupons available for discounted rentals.

Those are the rental options that I have found. Does anyone know of any on the Quebec side either downtown in Jacques Cartier park or possibly further out near Parc La Baie, Rue Saint Louis or Parc Sanscartier? There are some marinas but they do not seem to offer rentals. There used to be a Meet-Up group that would launch from Rue Jacques-Cartier to paddle around Kettle Island but the event is not being organized any more. There may be some options in Aylmer. I haven't checked there yet as I don't consider it as central as Jacques Cartier - downtown Gatineau area. One option to check annually is the Explorez Le Quebec website's "Activités nautiques - Gatineau" page to see if any new options have been added.

A good place to drown any sorrows due to the fact there is limited rentals options to access the water on the Quebec side is the Taverne P'Tit Canot on Rue Main just up from the Outaouais River (that's the Ottawa river for us on the south side!)

Also I'm only including rentals by the water - you can rent from MEC (scroll down to Gear Rentals: Watersports Gear includes - SUP, Kayak, Canoe) but have to have a car to get the water craft to your preferred location.